5 Steps to Solve Almost Any Problem

Many of us hesitate when making decisions, and “typically it’s just slow” rather than the person being cautious, says Frances Frei, a Harvard Business School professor and co-author of the book “Move Fast and Fix Things” and co-host of the “Fixable” Podcast — both with Anne Morriss, a leadership adviser for Fortune 500 companies.

The two believe that most problems can be solved in 30 minutes or less and are best solved with “speed and momentum” using a five-step process, they told The New York Times.

First, figure out what the true origin of your problem is and why you’re stuck, otherwise, you can’t move forward, they said. Often, what you think of as the problem is just a symptom of a deeper issue.

“So, start by asking yourself, with bracing honesty and without judgment: What is this problem really about? What emotions does this problem bring up? And what’s underneath those feelings?” according to the article.

Keep going “one layer deeper” when asking yourself why, Frei said, and aim for at least three layers.

Then collect information to get a full picture of the issue. Ask: “What will I have to do to solve this problem? What’s getting in the way? What would I tell a friend in this situation? What is the cost of my indecision?”

Once you have enough information, brainstorm potential strategies. Seek advice from outside your inner circle for a balanced view of the problem, Frei and Morriss suggested. Others, such as a neighbor, a friend of a friend, a co-worker from another department, or someone from a different age group, may offer a fresh outlook and new ideas.

Next, put together a “change narrative,” a story about the effect that your decision will have. These have three parts — past, present and future, the article said. Using optimistic language and “vivid and specific terms,” write about why you need the change, how it will change things and what you will feel like after you make the choice.

Finally, it’s time to act on your decision. Even if you don’t feel sure of your decision, that’s OK, they said, adding that “confidence is a byproduct of action.” You need to break the cycle of indecision and decide with a sense of urgency. 

Frei and Morriss offer these five steps to solve any problem:

1. Identify the root cause.
2. Gather information to craft a ‘good-enough’ plan.
3. Seek different perspectives.
4. Create a story about the change you’ll make.
5. Make the leap.